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Manchester City Faces Injury Crisis Ahead of Crucial Matches
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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 10:35 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Manchester City Grapples with Injuries Ahead of Crucial Champions League Clash & Premier League Run-In
Manchester City’s quest for an unprecedented treble – Premier League title, FA Cup, and Champions League crown – is facing a significant challenge: a growing injury list. While Pep Guardiola's side remains a formidable force, the absences of key players are forcing tactical adjustments and placing increased pressure on squad depth as they navigate a demanding final stretch to the season. The Sporting News article provides a detailed breakdown of the current situation, outlining who’s out, potential return dates, and how these injuries impact City's lineup.
Key Injuries & Expected Return Dates:
The most significant concern surrounds Kevin De Bruyne, arguably City’s most influential player. He suffered a hamstring injury during Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifying match against Austria on April 3rd. The initial diagnosis was grim, with Guardiola stating the injury looked "serious." While he's been seen doing light training, the Sporting News article indicates De Bruyne is unlikely to return before late June, effectively ruling him out of the remainder of the Premier League season and potentially the first leg of a Champions League semi-final. This represents a massive blow for City’s attacking prowess and creative spark. The severity of hamstring injuries can be unpredictable, making a precise return date difficult to pinpoint.
Another major absence is Jeremy Doku. The dynamic winger suffered an ankle injury against Liverpool on April 7th and has been sidelined since. Initial reports suggested a potential four-to-six week recovery period, but the article now suggests he's targeting a return sometime in May. While not definitively ruled out for the Champions League semi-final, his participation remains uncertain. Doku’s pace and directness have added another dimension to City’s attack this season, and his absence has been keenly felt.
Jack Grealish is also facing an extended layoff. The versatile attacker sustained a groin injury during the March international break and is expected back in late May or early June. His contribution extends beyond goals and assists; Grealish's ability to draw fouls and create space makes him a crucial tactical asset. Guardiola has consistently emphasized his importance, making his absence particularly frustrating for the team.
Beyond these three significant absences, City are also dealing with several other injury concerns:
- Nathan Ake: The defender suffered a hamstring injury in early April against Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final first leg and is expected to return sometime in May. His versatility – capable of playing both center-back and left-back – makes him a valuable asset, especially with other defensive options also struggling.
- Josko Gvardiol: The Croatian centre-back has been battling a minor knock but is currently expected to be available. While not a long-term absence, managing his workload will be crucial given the congested fixture schedule.
- Kyle Walker: The experienced right-back missed the match against Chelsea due to illness, though he’s back in training and expected to return for the upcoming matches. His pace and defensive solidity are vital on that flank.
- John Stones: The versatile defender is struggling with a knee injury sustained during the March international break. He's listed as doubtful, and his return date remains uncertain, further complicating City’s defensive options.
Impact on Lineup & Tactics:
The injuries have forced Guardiola to adapt his lineup and tactical approach. Without De Bruyne, the creative burden falls heavily on Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva. While both are exceptional players, they lack De Bruyne's unique vision and passing range. The absence of Doku limits City’s options for stretching defenses and exploiting space in wide areas. Grealish's layoff means more responsibility falls on other attackers to provide width and create opportunities.
The defensive injuries have also posed challenges. With Ake sidelined, Guardiola has had to rely on alternative combinations at center-back and left-back, potentially impacting City’s defensive stability. Stones’ uncertainty further exacerbates this problem.
Champions League Semi-Final Implications:
The timing of these injuries is particularly unfortunate, coming ahead of a crucial Champions League semi-final tie against Real Madrid – a team with significant pedigree in European competition. Losing De Bruyne, Doku and Grealish severely weakens City’s chances of overcoming such a formidable opponent. While Guardiola's tactical acumen and the strength of the remaining squad are undeniable, the absence of these key players presents a considerable obstacle.
Looking Ahead:
Manchester City’s success in the final weeks of the season will depend heavily on the fitness of their remaining players and the ability of those stepping into the injured players’ roles to perform at a high level. Guardiola will need to manage his squad carefully, rotating players where possible to avoid further injuries and ensure freshness for crucial matches. The return dates provided are estimates, and any setbacks could significantly impact City's chances of achieving their ambitious goals. Ultimately, overcoming this injury crisis will require resilience, tactical flexibility, and a collective effort from the entire team.
This article aims to capture the essence of the Sporting News piece, providing context and expanding on key details for a broader understanding of Manchester City’s current situation.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/soccer/manchester-city/news/man-city-injury-list-players-out-return-dates-lineup-next-game/9f18c1d6ae0ff93e8253094f ]
